Into the dark night Resignedly I go, I am not so afraid of the dark night As the friends I do not know, I do not fear the night above As I fear the friends below.
Interpretation
The quote reflects a fear of isolation and the unknown in relationships rather than the fear of darkness itself.
In this quote, Stevie Smith expresses a profound fear of loneliness and unfamiliarity in human connections. While the darkness of night can be intimidating, the poet emphasizes that the real dread comes from the unknown friendships and connections that may not materialize. It suggests that our anxieties about social interactions and acceptance can often overshadow the more external fears around us.
In practice
This quote could be used to highlight the importance of maintaining friendships during difficult times at a mental health seminar.
My friendships, they are a very strong part of my life, they are as light as gossamer but also they are as strong as steel. And I cannot throw them off, nor altogether do with them or without them. And I love them at the point where they say: It is nice to see you again. And I love them too at the point when they say: Good-bye, come again soon. The rhythm of friendship is a very good rhythm.
Nobody heard him, the dead man, But still he lay moaning. I was much further out than you thought, and not waving but drowning. I was much too far out all my life, And not waving but drowning.
When I do retire, I will miss the trips with the team, the jokes with my teammates, the habits: having breakfast with them, playing with them, all the little things.
It is a great folly to be willing to violate the friendship of God, rather than the law of human friendship.
There is nothing more becoming any wise man, than to make choice of friends, for by them thou shalt be judged what thou art: let them therefore be wise and virtuous, and none of those that follow thee for gain; but make election rather of thy betters, than thy inferiors.
Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.
True friendship ought never to conceal what it thinks.
For a friend with an understanding heart is worth no less than a brother
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